Switch



Patented Nov. 12, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in a switch and particularly in aswitch of the type used on small flashlights.

A primary object of this invention is to provide an improved device ofthe above nature wherein a member, adapted to receive a light bulb, maybe rotated to perform the function of a switch for said bulb.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the abovenature, wherein the construc.

tion may be noted for its simplicity and compactness.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawing wherein a preferred embodiment of one form of the presentinvention is clearly shown.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view on line I-I of Fig. 2;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional View on line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view on line 3-3 of Fig. 4, showing the light bulbreceiving member rotated in contact position.

Fig. 4 is an outside view of a ilashlight embodying the presentinvention.

In the drawing, I2 designates a tubular metal casing closed at one end,and adapted to receive a dry cell I9, a spring 20 and a subassemblycomprising a light bulb I 0, bushing I4, retaining washers I1 and I8, aresilient member I6, and a socket II.

The light bulb I is axially guided in socket I I by a non-conductingbushing I4 and held in place by non-conducting eccentric washers II andI8. Bushing I4 and washers I1 and I8 are pressed into socket II.Resilient member I6 is laterally compressed within socket II, and is soshaped as to provide a spring contact 24 which bears on the threadedportion of bulb I0 when switch is making contact; the resilient memberI6 has another portion of its body formed into a semi-sphericalprojection 22 which slips thru an opening 2| in socket I I and slidesinto an internal annular groove I5 formed in casing I2.

Socket II may be readily removed from casing I2 by applying an axialpull of sufficient force to overcome the pressure exerted by theresilient member I6 against the inner surface of groove I5.

It will be noted that the resilient member I6 also serves the purpose ofpreventing socket II from falling out of casing I2 thru the constantengagement of projection 22 in annular groove I5.

In the Off position, projection 22 enters into 5 cavity I3 formed inannular groove I5 of casing I2, thereby allowing spring contact 24 toretract from threaded portion of bulb I0 and break contact.

While the form and embodiment of the pres- 10 ent invention as hereindisclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood thatother forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claimswhich follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In a switch of the class described, the combination comprising; atubular member having an internal annular groove partially deepened onits circumference; a circular resilient current carrying member having aportion of its body extending into said groove, said resilient memberhaving another portion of its body adapted to bear against the externalcylindrical metallic portion of a light bulb; means for rotating saidresilient member including a socket adapted to receive and insulate saidbulb.

2. In a switch of the class described, lthe combination comprising; atubular member closed at one end, adapted to receive a dry cell, meansfor establishing contact between the dry cell and said tubular member,said tubular member having lan internal annular groove partiallydeepened on its circumference; a circular resilient current carryingmember having a portion of its body extending into said groove, saidresilient member having another portion of its body adapted to bearagainst the external cylindrical metallic portion of a light bulb; meansfor rotating said resilient member including a socket adapted to receiveand insulate said bulb.

3. In a switch of the class described, a socket comprising; a rotatablesleeve adapted to receive a guide for a light bulb, a retainer for saidbulb including two eccentric washers overlapping each other and of athickness suitable to provide a receptacle for threaded portion of saidlight bulb, a space between said guide and said retainer to allow freemovement of a current carrying member.

ALBERT BOLDUC.

